|  | Public Health Safety | Environmental Health

Sulfur Oxides Effects

Ninety-five percent of pollution related to sulfur oxide emissions are in the form of sulfur dioxide, according to Hamilton County Environmental Services. Sulfur oxide emissions can affect a person's health, the environment, building materials and a person's vision. Knowing how people are affected by sulfur oxide emissions can be helpful in preventing exposure that would lead to harmful consequences.

  1. Health Impact

    • People exposed to sulfur dioxide in the air often have reduced lung function, increased respiratory symptoms and diseases, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and a higher death rate. Asthmatics, children, the elderly, and those others who already suffer from respiratory problems are especially at risk to these effects. Its strong, unpleasant odor immediately warns people of its pollutant nature.

    Environmental Impact

    • Sulfur oxide emissions have a negative impact on vegetation, such as forests and agricultural crops. For example, studies in the United States have revealed that plants exposed to high levels of sulfur dioxide can lose foliage, become less productive or die prematurely. Acid depositions can also have a negative effect on freshwater lakes and stream ecosystems by lowering the pH of the water. Most fish species are unable to survive significant changes in pH, and affected bodies of water could become devoid of any fish.

    Building Material Impact

    • Sulfur oxide emissions can have a negative impact on building stones and metals. For example, when sulfur dioxide reacts with moisture it forms sulfurous acid, which increases the corrosion rate of iron, steel and zinc. Sulfur oxides can also react with copper to form the green layer of copper sulfate film on the surface of the copper. It also helps accelerate the decay of paints and building materials.

    Other Impact

    • Increased levels of sulfur dioxide can also negatively impact people's vision, as sulfur dioxide is a component of smog. This can make activities such as driving or flying more difficult and dangerous. Sulfur dioxide is one of the primary components of "acid rain" and it helps keep sunlight out of the atmosphere, which causes the Earth to cool. Sulfur dioxide emission contributes to global warming.

Environmental Health - Related Articles